MahJong and My Subconscious

Last weekend I swept into a madness of playing MahJong and trying to get a fairly good win percentage. By the end of the weekend I had a win percentage of 35%, winning something like 19 of 50 games. I figured out the general strategy, but I plod through the game. I’m a person who’s not really good at the card game "Speed", "Spoons" or trivia games. I like to entertain the question or the situation and analyze how its going to play out. I don’t react quickly, I prefer to observe. My short-term memory is too short for chess, but games such as Risk, Munchkin are more my speed.

I actually manipulate my subconscious quite a bit. I honestly prefer to let things simmer quite a bit before making a decision. I will write entries and write in spurts, work, erase and start anew. Playing games like MahJonggand Freecell, I am watching shows with Twin and focus back and forth between the two.

I rely on muscle memory for a lot of what I do, and so that’s like training for the subconscious I think. I"m listing to KUOW in one ear while processing a number of things. I find a process where physical action can be automatic, then if there is a discrepancy I can say subconsciously, "that doesn’t look right" or "something is missing." Even having a weak sense of confidence lending itself to double-checking doesn’t translate into lost productivity. Things obviously take some time, so I’m trying to take the boredom out of repetition and engage my mind in more active or entertaining pursuits.

I don’t know really though, its speculation. It relates to something I heard a week or two ago about creativity. Brainstorming is the worst thing for creativity, especially in a large group. Naturally with my lack of confidence I may not say much because my idea may not be good enough. They did say that often the most creative ideas come out of random moments. I can attest to how true that is. I will be kayaking or riding home from work and have some sort of revelation or epiphany.

In our minds and the universe there seems to be a lot of blank space, whether it be dark matter or the area between neurons and their connectors.

There is chaos in beauty (maybe?), and vice versa beauty in the chaos.

spazzyhilo

April 30, 2012

Fedja is also terrible at such games. A lot of games actually, depending on what kind. Pop culture type ones such as trivia is just mostly because he wasn’t born and raised here. But other types like the strategy ones you mentioned he has a habit of overthinking them and second guessing himself. Except with chess. He loves playing chess.

Phoenix Seraph

I suck at most games. I’m a loser, what can I say. *laughs* I like to brainstorm. Either with others or by myself. I’ve always found it very stimulating to the creative process. It’s just nice to knock around ideas and get feedback. But then one technique is not ever guaranteed to work for everybody. Creativity is a very personal process. You need to do whatever works for you.

RYN: I do know what you mean. I confront that problem a lot with my students actually. I’ll have one or two that’s afraid to input their opinion, because they’re afraid of being judged or ganged up on. I always try and make my classes welcoming and open to all opinions because of that and if nothing else, I will stand up for the person who’s putting their opinion out there. Because every opinion has value and merit. Everyone has a right to weigh in. It pisses me off when people act like theirs is the right and only answer. Whatever, dude. *shakes my head*

dellusion

ryn: yes 7 loads. i had been slacking for over a week and it kind of piled up, not to mention i changed the sheets on two beds…so blankets and sheets, and then various towels and rugs. felt good to get it all done though.

I think in life with a lot of practice we gain a kind of specific instinct with the things we do. So i think you are right in this experience makes us, not only more wise, but efficient. It is exactly, what makes me nervous doing what I am. I have to develop that instinct, but that instinct will only come with time and practice, and making mistakes. I think that’s the key…action.

KPinK

May 1, 2012

I love mahjong! I used to play it all the time on the computer, but I dont even remember the game site. ANd I used to be like you where I’d have an idea & not say it out of fear. Now I dont care & just spew them forth…& I have found out that my good ideas, really are good ideas. Also, I have found when I have a problem, sometimes the answer will come in my sleep.

Ryn: Well sure I could change, but then I wouldn’t be a hypocrite. Then what would I complain about??? Don’t say such silly things 😉

Ryn: I think that was and is a part of why i resist. One, I wasnt completely over my ex. It’s not easy to get over someone after 11 years of a relationship. Second, you are right most of the women i have met since then havent sparked that, except for one. And as far as getting into the relationship at the moment, it’s kind of out of the question. But i think my insides are sending me a signal

May 2, 2012

RYN: yeah, my left needs work. In order for me to have scored, I needed to lob it over the goalie, since he came so far out of the box. Not possible for me w/my left foot. So I was going to dribble around him, which I would have, had he not clothes lined me. However, I did forget to mention that I had already scored a goal at that point, a cross from the right, used my knee to get it in! 🙂